Top of your house hunting checklist is knowing what you can afford. Don’t fall into the trap of house hunting and finding your dream home to later find it isn’t within your budget. By doing an affordability check with a lender, you’ll have a good idea of your budget when searching homes for sale. 

By doing an affordability check, you’ll also be able to get a mortgage agreement in principle. This shows estate agents that you’re serious about buying and that you’re in a good position to do so. It also increases your chances of being  successful as and when  you come to make an offer.

While you’re looking at what you can afford, you need to think about the additional costs that come with buying a property. Stamp Duty, legal fees, surveys and moving costs can soon rack up so make sure you build these extra costs into your budget planning. We have a very helpful guide on the true cost of buying a house you can visit here.

Anyone who has bought a property knows that you rarely find one that ticks every single box. More often than not you will have to make trade-offs on space, location or design features. Knowing what you’re willing to compromise on will help during your home hunt. Make a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’ and that way you’ll know what is a deal breaker and what isn’t.

Knowing what questions to ask when buying a house is important. While estate agents are there to assist you and provide necessary information, it’s important to keep in mind that their primary goal is to show you the positive aspects of a property, even though they are required by law to be truthful. The onus is on you as the buyer to do your due diligence and ask the important questions.

Make sure to inquire about the property's condition, including the last time the boiler was replaced, when the electrics were last serviced, and what the water pressure is like. Try and find out what fixtures and fittings are included and what the area is like for broadband. It’s also important to find out about energy efficiency performance so be sure to ask what the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is.

It might feel a little intrusive but it’s reasonable to ask the estate agent why the owner is selling. It can help you understand if any of their reasons are linked to the property. 

Most people are either upsizing, downsizing or relocating and if you find out what the reason is, it will give you a good insight into the seller’s circumstances. This might be helpful when you come to negotiating your offer.

It’s helpful to know if there are other potential buyers so you know if you’ve got competition and if the sale may end in a bidding war. It’s also good to know when the property was listed, how long it’s been on the market and if the seller has lowered their price at all during that time. 

If the price has been lowered or the property has been on the market for a few months, this could indicate there’s an issue. This could include bad results on a homebuyers’ survey or something that appeared in the property searches. Knowing the sale history could give you a bit of power when negotiating on price.

The more you get to know a home, the better idea you’ll get of whether or not it’s for you. The first visit can be a bit rushed, and there may be things you don’t see at first. A second - or even third - visit will help you see things you may have missed the first time around.

For properties in high demand areas, you might not have time for a second viewing before the estate agent starts receiving offers from other buyers. This makes your first viewing all the more important. Make sure you slow down, take a good look at all the property’s features and ask all of the key questions to make the most of the viewing opportunity.

If you’re viewing a house, chances are you’ll know a bit about the area. But it’s important to find out as much as you can before committing to buying. Take the time to explore the area and get a feel for the community. Look into the crime rates, nearby parks, and any future developments that may impact the area. Understanding the  neighbourhood will help you determine if it is the right fit for you, now and in the future. 

Consider your commute to work and access to major roads. Don’t forget to find out about public transport and local schools so you can factor those into your decision. It also pays to know the property’s Council Tax band, which you can check on the Government’s portal here.

It’s never going to be possible to find out exactly what your neighbours will be like until you’re living next door. That said, it’s worth asking the estate agent if they know anything about the seller’s neighbours.

Specifically, you can ask if there have been any noise complaints. This may seem a bit negative, but the estate agent has a duty of care to answer your questions truthfully. If there have been any formal complaints about noise, you want to know before you’re too far down the line with your purchase.

As a home buyer, it’s worth doing a bit of desktop research to find out if there are any new developments planned near the property. One way to do your own research is to check the local authority’s website to see if there are any upcoming projects that could potentially impact the area. 

Remember, you aren’t necessarily looking for reasons not to buy a house. Home buying is a big decision and it’s important you know as much as you can before you make that all important decision.

It is very easy to be impulsive when home buying, especially when you know there are other interested parties and you may be headed for a bidding situation. Take your time to carefully consider all aspects of the property before making a decision. 

Don't let the pressure of competition rush you into a purchase you may later regret. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons, do your due diligence and make an informed decision you feel confident about. Remember, buying a home is a significant investment, so it's crucial to take your time and make the right choice for you and your future.

Home buying is notoriously stressful, but there is excitement to be had as well. Take the time to enjoy the process of finding your dream home. Shop around, explore areas, and imagine yourself living in each potential property. 

This can help you narrow down your options and find a home that truly fits your needs and lifestyle. Remember, this is an exciting time in your life, so try to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

Don't be afraid to seek guidance if you need it. While there is a lot to think about, the end result is finding a place that you will love for years to come. Trust the process and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect home.